Staff Spotlight: For Stockbridge school bus driver Meredith McManaman, keeping kids safe is non-negotiable
by Mary Jo David Many things stood out while interviewing school bus driver Meredith McManaman, but the most notable is that, in the life of a bus driver, every minute counts. McManaman drives Bus 17-04, better known to younger kids in the Stockbridge School District as the “Lion” bus. She starts her day at 5 […]
Bridge to Wellness: Wellness Coalition pursues feedback and ideas, announces new board members
by Matt Pegouskie In January, 37 community members joined Stockbridge Area Wellness Coalition (SAWC) to learn more about what the coalition does, its history, and how people can get involved with coalition planning and activities. The evening started with pizza from four different restauranteurs in the Stockbridge service area and music provided by Paul Crandall. […]
Rural Perspectives: Found mostly year round, common song sparrows are quite melodious
by Diane Constable The song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is our most common native sparrow—and most vocal. Its scientific name is ancient Greek for “song finch, melodious.” This sparrow is found throughout the country—with some variations in appearance—in more than 30 known subspecies across North America. Those in our area have a streaky breast with a […]
Obituary: Ronald Muzyn Clifton
Ronald Muzyn Clifton, age 55, passed away on February 24th, 2026. He was born on April 28th, 1971. Ron is preceded in death by his father, Rev. Jon Ronald William Clifton, and his mother, Janet Mae Eldridge Clifton. He is survived by his two sons, Jon R. Clifton and Elijah M. Clifton (Stockbridge), whom he […]
Stockbridge Mayhem youth wrestling takes third in Mayhem Madness Tournament
by Melissa McPherson Over 500 wrestlers, from 43 different clubs in and around Michigan came to Stockbridge on Jan. 11 to compete in Mayhem Madness, the first ever MyWay tournament hosted by the Stockbridge Mayhem Wresting Club. The club, made up of students in grades K through 8, has experienced rapid growth since 2022, expanding […]
Outreach in Action: Meal of the Month is back by popular demand
by Jo Mayer and Paul Crandall “We tried it, they liked it, so we’re doing it again!” –Cindy Ashley, Outreach pantry coordinator In 2025, Outreach piloted a monthly cooking program for five months, inviting 30 regular Outreach pantry shoppers to join this Recipe-of-the-Month cooking club—now fondly referred to as “Meal of the Month.” The effort […]
Clyde’s Corner
‘Dad, I cut my hand’: A summer to remember in 1967 by Clyde Whitaker My story this month should resonate with all of you who worked on the Krummrey Farm in Stockbridge at one time or another, while providing insight to others not familiar with life on a muck farm. In the summer of 1967, […]
Two new members sworn in to school board in January
compiled by Mary Jo David Introducing school board member James “Jimmy” Chapman Hello Stockbridge friends! I am one of the new board of education trustees. My appreciation of education could not be greater. For a portion of my over 20-year career in the construction industry, I was heavily involved with training. As a training instructor […]
Obituary: Karen L. Cobb
Karen L. Cobb, age 68, of Houghton Lake, MI, passed away on February 10, 2026. Karen was born on May 25, 1957, in Jackson, the daughter of Lyle and Alice (Andrews) Atwood. Karen enjoyed spending time outdoors and could often be found at the beach, hunting and fishing, riding four-wheelers, foraging for mushrooms, or spending […]